Utah lawmakers pass teen suicide prevention programs

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Two bills aimed at curbing teen bullying and suicide passed the full Legislature on Wednesday.

The two houses agreed Wednesday on HB134, a bill that would require schools to notify parents of bullying and/or suicide threats. They also approved HB154, a bill to implement suicide prevention programs in Utah junior highs and high schools. That bill would also fund a suicide prevention coordinator at the State Office of Education and a state suicide prevention coordinator at the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. It would cost $178,000.

The bills are among a number that lawmakers have heard this year, amid increased attention on teen suicide and several high-profile cases in Utah.

Lawmakers are also still considering SB184, which is very similar to HB134 in that it would require schools to notify parents of threats of suicide or bullying. And they've already passed a bill, HB298, asking schools to offer annual parent seminars on substance abuse, bullying and mental health.

HB154 and HB134 now go to the governor for his signature.

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